what after residency

Hi,
Q: 1.if i go for fellowship, would i be left with enough time(H1-6 yrs) to find a job and get GC after completion of fellowship?

A: H1 can be extended one year at a time after the six years so, it should not be an issue.

Q: 2.if i go for a job after residency and be on the job till i get a GC, what are my future chances of getting a fellowship?

A: GC can be filed by a prospective employer even before you join. For example, if you match in a fellowship, you can find an employer while doing the fellowship, have them file for GC even before joining. You may have to pay the fees etc but is doable. Or, publish some papers and file your own GC using what is called National Interest Waiver.

Q: 3.hear that fellowships start only after an yr after the completion of residency. what do people on H1 do until then?
A: You can do moonlighting jobs, there are plenty that will sponsor for H1.

Q: 4.have you heard of any programs initiating GC processing for chief residents?

A: Yes, it is a matter of convincing the program and tell them you will take care of the expenses. There are some that do it while doing residency like Abington Memorial Hospital where I did my residency.

Q: 5. is it possible to work as a hopitalist for an yr and get the GC processing started by the employer and then switch to fellowship?

A: It is possible, it depends on whether you get through the I-485 filing during that time. If not, you can complete the fellowship and come back and work 6 months or so with the previous employer that filed for you. You will know some of the ins and outs once you get there. DO not worry too much about it at this point. All the best.